The Pull of the Moon by Pip Smith

The Pull of the Moon by Pip Smith UWA Publishing Pip Smith writes about The Pull of the Moon, her YA novel about detention on Christmas Island, for PaperbarkWords blog. I didn’t realise this at the time, but work on my young adult novel The Pull of the Moon began in January 2010, when I […]

This Season’s Draft by Jason Gent

This Season’s Draft by Jason Gent (Allen & Unwin) I read Jason Gent’s This Season’s Draft about a group of older teens preparing for the AFL draft in one sitting. I was transfixed. This novel takes the perspective of each protagonist, is easy to read while packing an emotional punch and is ideal for schools […]

The Year We Escaped by Suzanne Leal, ARA Historical Prize Winner

The Year We Escaped by Suzanne Leal, ARA Historical Prize Winner The Year We Escaped by Suzanne Leal (HarperCollins Australia) has just won the 2025 ARA Historical Prize – children’s/young adult book. This comparatively new award showcases historical novels where “most of the narrative takes place at least 50 years ago.” Mark Macleod, Chair of […]

The Locked Room by Adam Cece

The Locked Room by Adam Cece Published by Penguin Books Australia Adam, congratulations on your riveting new YA novel, The Locked Room, which is set in an escape room. It is a highly appealing concept and will hook in many readers, including those who may not read many books. Thank you for writing this interesting […]

I’m Not Really Here by Gary Lonesborough

I’m Not Really Here by Gary Lonesborough (A&U Books for Children and Young Adults) I’m Not Really Here by Gary Lonesborough is the WINNER of the CBCA 2025 Book of the Year: Older Readers category. “Back in my room, I stare at myself in the mirror of my wardrobe. As I sip my glass of water, […]

The Disappearing Circus by Kate Gordon and Helen Edwards

The Disappearing Circus by Kate Gordon and Helen Edwards Published by Riveted Press Congratulation on your new book and thank you for speaking to Joy in Books at PaperbarkWords blog, Helen. Author Interview: Helen Edwards Being the Hero of Your Own Story by Helen Edwards When Kate Gordon and I became friends online some years […]

Golden by Jade Timms

Golden by Jade Timms Text Publishing Golden, Jade Timms’ debut YA novel, was shortlisted for the Text Prize. Her writing reminds me of the contemporary fiction of Melissa Keil, Cath Crowley and Claire Zorn. Protagonist Eddie’s voice grabs the reader. Jade’s piece for PaperbarkWords below is honest and appealing. It will whet your appetite to […]

Into the Mouth of the Wolf by Erin Gough

Into the Mouth of the Wolf by Erin Gough (Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing) Into the Mouth of the Wolf written by Erin Gough is shortlisted for the 2025 CBCA Book of the Year: Older Readers. Congratulations on Into the Mouth of the Wolf being shortlisted by the CBCA, Erin, and thank you for speaking to Joy in Books at Paperbark Words blog. Author […]

A Wreck of Seabirds by Karleah Olson

A Wreck of Seabirds by Karleah Olson A Wreck of Seabirds by Karleah Olson is shortlisted for the 2025 CBCA Book of the Year: Older Readers. Congratulations on A Wreck of Seabirds being shortlisted by the CBCA, Karleah.It’s the best YA novel I’ve read in ages. And thank you for speaking to Joy in Books at Paperbark Words blog. Author Interview: Karleah […]

Desert Tracks By Marly and Linda Wells

Desert Tracks by Marly & Linda Wells (Magabala Books) Desert Tracks is co-written by mother-daughter duo Linda and Marly Wells. It won the Daisy Utemorrah Award in 2024. The Authors Marly Wells is a proud Warlpiri woman who grew up between Alice Springs and Melbourne. She has worked in social services and the creative art sectors, […]